|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Sorry for this quick post, so near after the last, but I'm headed out on vacation and wanted to get some constructive help on this track I've been working on..please help me improve/finish it when I get back, your comments most appreciated! Harlem Bop ----------------------------------------- Well, small-town jazzman makes the Apple; Don't know a soul a-tall; Last gig was Wesley Chapel; First stop: find the union hall. Heard about some midnight jammin' Jumped the A train way uptown; Found the spot on Amsterdam and Heard that swingin' boppin' sound. Sax sings sweet and bass keeps thumpin' And the solo's never stop; Groovin' beat is really sumpin' They're calling it the Harlem Bop! Hopped up to the smokin' bandstand, Time to show my down-home chops; Dipped my toe into the groovin' jam and Laid my solo's on the Harlem Bop. On the street they catch the rhythm Hit the dance floor 'n never drop; Folks keep truckin' and the band's right with 'em, Whole house swingin' with the Harlem Bop. Small-town jazzman's got his night-spot Where the groove-sound never stops; Folks go rockin' with the best the band's got, Then we finish with the Harlem Bop. ------------------------ Style is _JFREDFS.STY (Fast Jazz w/ Fred Guitar) RT's: 752 Acoustic BeBop Bass, 755 Bebop Piano, 1098 JazzSwingFredd Guitar, 437 Jazz Sax Solo, 462 Jazz Trumpet Solo I used a lot of midi solo's for Bebop type jazz: Miles, Coltrane, Bird, etc.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132 |
Great intro - it really sets the tone. I expected the vocal to start right after the clarinet, so the piano following made me wonder if it was an instrumental. I'd cut that part out. I loved the groove and the overall song. Does "makes" here implies to me that the singer has "makes the big time in the Big Apple" instead of "makes it to": Well, small-town jazzman makes the Apple;Substituting "hits" might work better, only you use that word later. This line works, but I'm rarely a fan of forcing in too much text into a line: Dipped my toe into the groovin' jam andIt does fit the style, though. The ending notes on "Harlem bop" are all the same note - I'd prefer something a bit more cadential. Where'd you get the horns? They sound like Blue Street Brass. Nice song! 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Great suggestions David.. Thanks.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,787 |
Instrumentally, the stuff that happens at the end (a full band kind of thing) seems "out of the blue" and unnecessary. Better to stick with the things that have been playing through the rest of the song. The clarinet and piano are nice.
Lyrically, there are a number of places where you could drop little words to get better prosody.
Sax sings sweet, bass keeps thumpin'
the solo's never stop;
Groovin' beat is really sumpin'
They call it the Harlem Bop!
...
Dipped my toe in the groovin' jam
Laid my solo on the Harlem Bop.
...
Folks keep truckin', the band right with 'em,
everyone swingin' with the Harlem Bop.
All just ideas, since you asked.
It's a good start...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443 |
I am not quite sure I understand the assignment.
I listened to it, and it is a nice jazz piece, and the lyrics and delivery are individual and distinct in voice as your other pieces are.
There would be NUMEROUS things I could say, but in these types of cases I always figure the artist did what they wanted to do.
With the sense of time urgency could you give some ideas on what you would like to have feedback on?
When I am asking for rapid feedback, I ask for things like:
Is the tempo right
Does it have the right feel
Is it catchy?
Is it too busy?
Is the melody ok, can it be improved?
Thoughts on the vocals?
Thoughts on mix?
Thoughts on effects..
Instrumentation..
and so forth
Just to be helpful, with no direction, people would be guessing, as I am now.
I can say it has a fun feel to it, but in terms of something you might want to do sometime with (and specifically what that is) I would have no idea what to say until I know what you want to do with it, and what you think might need fixing.
I am saying all of this now because this might help for future requests of this type.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Hey David... I didn't mean to ask for Rapid feedback... I'll be on vacation for about a week and a half. Just looking for some things I can take action on by the time I get back. I'm not sure I like the way that it ends, I'm not sure that I like the way I combine solos at the end, I think in certain cases the lyrics might be too cute, those kinds of things.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132 |
Instrumentally, the stuff that happens at the end (a full band kind of thing) seems "out of the blue" and unnecessary. Better to stick with the things that have been playing through the rest of the song. The clarinet and piano are nice. I'll echo this. Although the brass is nice, they sound synthy and the effects don't match the rest of the mix.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
I agree with all these comments! .. Thanks Floyd and David... I'll be doing some refinin' when I get back to my studio..
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443 |
Hey David... I didn't mean to ask for Rapid feedback... I'll be on vacation for about a week and a half. Just looking for some things I can take action on by the time I get back. I'm not sure I like the way that it ends, I'm not sure that I like the way I combine solos at the end, I think in certain cases the lyrics might be too cute, those kinds of things. Hey Tano, This is very interesting from an artist "gut check" standpoint. I think you have answered your own questions. I learned long ago, that if I asked someone: "Are the lyrics too confusing?" the answer was YES. If I asked "Is the lead guitar solo too sloppy?" the answer was YES. If I asked "Is the ending too choppy?" the answer was YES. In other words, your gut will always make you ask questions on the very things that are bothering you, and if they are still bothering you, that is exactly what you need to work on. I keep going over stuff, again and again and again and again, over and over and over until I can finally hear it play back and go: "Yeah." Make sense?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 461
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 461 |
Hi Tano:
I find this song to be very inventive. I like how you went back to give us a glimpse of the past. Good choice on your instrumentation choices. Don't fret about perfecting this because there is no such thing. It really doesn't matter what other's may think about it as long as you like it and you've done your best based on your experience, who cares!
You either like it or not. There's plenty of music out there that I wouldn't give 2 cents for. What I like in music (of any type) is what is the writer trying to convey. If he's successful, I'll get it.
My motto is: If you like it, say something encouraging to the song writer regardless; even you don't like it overall. If the writer is serious, he will improve. the idea is to keep trying and learning.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is: "You ain't gonna please everyone...so please yourself and hope that others will hear your joy and love it too!!!
Sorry for the Sermon,
Dave
Also, please go to: https://soundcloud.com/davebrooksmusicfactoryHP Pavilion p6-2330; 1T; GB: 22; AMD Processor; Focusrite Scarlett Solo; Line mixer: Seismic Landsland-12p; DAW's: BIAB, Pro Tools 2018.8.1 HD; Wave Pad Sound Editor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,991
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,991 |
As always, you do throw your own flare on to everything. I agree with the sentiment that the lyrics started quite later then I had expected. Overall for a work in progress I think it has a lot of potential as a song!
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,217 |
I really liked the tune. Super vocal and backtrack
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,157 |
Hello, Tom
Nice jazz tune!
It makes me feel 1930's or 1940's.
The jazz vocal tunes at that time sometimes have got long intro.
So, the piano following after the clarinet at intro is not bad.
Your vocal are fits this perfectly.
I am looking forward to what kind of finished product it will be.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022 |
Great song, but my initial thoughts are that the tempo is not the best.
I think it's too rushed, and would work better just a little slower where it finds a groove it can sit in. I think it would swing better that way.
The vocals seem to be crammed in, barely with enough time to start the next phrase. Sort of like all the punctuation marks have been removed.
Just my thoughts. Maybe that was the intention.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
Scott, Shigeki, VideoTrak...thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
What a tune! Love the groove, love your vocals, and love the flow of this. It all work so well. It got my toe tapping instantly. This is precisely the kind of tune I can imagine sounding unreal live. It's a lovely throwback to the sound of the 40's, but with a unique modern twist. Really nice on this one Tano - thanks for sharing
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,958
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,958 |
I think asking for feedback and receiving constructive and civil comments are a hallmark of this forum. Lyrics have never been my (Bud) strong suit but regarding the arrangement I think you have already received some very helpful comments and anything we said would be redundant.
We love music of the era this represents and feel that it is well worth some fine tuning.
Nice!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
But... I wholeheartedly agree that seeking constructive feedback from the accomplished composers and songwriters in this form is one of the key benefits... I think we all like unfettered compliments, but in order to grow we also can benefit from the vision and perspective of others.
I sometimes find that I am too deep in the forest in order to be able to see the trees if that makes sense so getting some outside views is really helpful Thanks!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,570
Members39,945
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean